A Few Thoughts on Humanity
From Physics to People to Politics

In his book Geoffrey Smart addresses many of the deepest questions we can ask about humankind; who we are, how we came to be here, why each of us is unique in all time, how chance profoundly shapes our lives, how our values affect others and why this makes all of us responsible for the state of the world. Aimed at both scientists and non-scientists, this extraordinary and compellingly written book discusses the nature of consciousness, the degree to which other life forms have it, whether AI can acquire it, how much freedom of will we all have, the implications for responsibility, accountability and justice and how criminals should be treated. In just 30,000 words it builds a powerful, science-based case for a kinder, less judgemental and more compassionate world.

Underpinning all the arguments are the laws of physics. A Few Thoughts on Humanity shows how these laws drive all biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, psychology and decision-making. It explains how life probably began, how evolution works and how physics constrains what we and AI can ever know about the future. Over eighty academic papers are referenced in the endnotes and there are quotations throughout from some of the greatest minds in history, as well as many notable world leaders and politicians. In the last chapter, aspects of the criminal justice systems in The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the UK and the US are compared and a case is made for much more enlightened approaches to dealing with criminality.